ANTENATAL HEALTH CARE;

Abstract

Background: Prenatal and postnatal health care utilization services areimperative strategy to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality. One in 38 Pakistani womendies from pregnancy related causes as compared to 1 in 230 women in Sri Lanka. Objectives:The objective of the present study is to know about the pattern and trends of utilization ofantenatal and postnatal health care services by mothers in Pakistan. Study design: Descriptivesystematic literature review. Material and methods: The relevant literature was systematicallysearched through different key words related to antenatal and postnatal health care utilizationservices in Pakistan through different online research engines to accomplish this study.Results: Twenty five research articles were included in this review article. It was found thatlast two decades, we cannot achieve the optimum progress towards antenatal and postnatalhealth care utilization services. The problem is much severe in rural areas of across the country,where a number of socio-cultural and program factors hinders women to utilize the basic healthservices. Mother’s education, household income, autonomous at household decision makingand birth order are the significant factors that to utilize the antenatal and postnatal care inPakistan. Conclusion: There should be need to aware the mother about the importance ofprenatal and postnatal visits. In rural areas, government should give some economic incentivefor prenatal and postnatal visits. Furthermore, government should take necessary steps totackle the problem by providing the easy access to the health care facilities.